Vietnam to Resolve Textbook Shortages by September 25, 2026

The Vietnamese government has formulated a concrete action plan to fundamentally resolve the persistent textbook shortage issue, aiming for complete resolution by September 25, 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau revealed that specific solutions were discussed in an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Education and Training and relevant ministries to achieve this goal. The Ministry of Education and Training has thoroughly analyzed the causes of past textbook shortages and pledged to implement measures to prevent recurrence. The ministry reported that 99.75% of textbooks have been supplied to learners to date, meeting almost all needs. However, ensuring a rapid supply system for the remaining 0.25% is an urgent task. This issue highlights challenges in the implementation of educational policies within Vietnam's one-party system. Access to education is a citizen's right, and textbooks are essential for guaranteeing equal learning opportunities, especially for children in rural areas and economically disadvantaged families. The government aims to correct educational disparities and improve the overall educational standards of the populace by ensuring a stable supply of learning materials. While Vietnam's economy has seen remarkable growth in recent years, the development of educational infrastructure remains a significant challenge. Population growth and urbanization, in particular, are further increasing the demand for educational resources. The government is expected to consider a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening the textbook supply chain and utilizing digital learning materials.